Archive · 9 Nov 2025
New Zealand Sends Extra Fire Planes to Battle Tongariro Wildfire
A big fire started in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.
It's a very large fire, covering about 1,100 soccer fields!
Some people who were hiking had to be rescued by helicopter.
Firefighters stopped their work for the night because it was too dangerous.
On Sunday, more planes and helicopters were sent to help fight the fire because the park's terrain makes it hard to get firefighters on the ground everywhere.
They hope to get the fire under control with a full day of operations.
An out-of-control wildfire is burning through approximately 1,100 hectares of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand.
Firefighters began battling the blaze on Saturday afternoon.
Around 40 hikers were airlifted to safety, and nine hikers were evacuated on Sunday morning.
Firefighting efforts were suspended overnight due to safety concerns.
New Zealand authorities have deployed additional aircraft, including eight helicopters and three planes, to combat the wildfire.
- Who
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand, approximately 40 hikers (rescued), nine hikers (evacuated)
- What
- Battling an out-of-control wildfire
- When
- Started Saturday afternoon, efforts ongoing Sunday with increased aerial support
- Where
- Tongariro National Park, central North Island, New Zealand
- Why
- To control an out-of-control wildfire that has burnt through approximately 1,100 hectares.
- Location
- Tongariro National Park, central North Island, New Zealand
- Estimated Size
- Approximately 1,100 hectares (4.2 square miles)
- Start Date
- Saturday afternoon
- Aerial Assets Deployed
- Eight helicopters and three planes
- Ground Crews Deployed
- Six fire trucks and five tankers